Raipur, October 22, 2026: The Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police (SP) Ankita Sharma, a 2018-batch IPS officer, after a video of her firing an AK-47 rifle during a traditional Shastra Puja (weapon-worship) ceremony on Vijayadashami went viral. The action follows concerns that the incident violated prescribed weapon-handling rules and safety protocols, and that accompanying negative social media commentary had affected the dignity of the police force.
The incident occurred on October 20 at the Police Lines in Rajnandgaon during the customary Shastra Puja held on the occasion of Vijayadashami (Dussehra). In the widely circulated video, Sharma, dressed in a saree, is seen firing several rounds from an AK-47 into the air after the ritual. Rajnandgaon Range Inspector General of Police Ajay Yadav confirmed that the headquarters took serious cognisance of the matter, determining that the act was not in accordance with police weapon-handling rules, and sought an explanation from the SP.
Yadav stated that after receiving Sharma’s reply, he would record his observations and forward the matter to the Police Headquarters. “Further action will be taken in accordance with the directions received from there,” he said. Some reports indicated that an explanation had been sought within three days. The headquarters also noted comments on the viral video that raised questions about safety and discipline.
The footage triggered debate over ceremonial firing, weapon safety, and police protocol. Former Army officer Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon (Retd) publicly criticised the handling visible in the video, describing it as “dangerously incorrect” and stating that “all aspects of safety of weapon handling” appeared to have been violated. He pointed to the loaded weapon being pointed in multiple directions, the visible reaction of people in the background, the use of a service weapon for what he termed an unauthorised act in non-authorised dress, and the failure to adhere to basic weapon-handling drills taught in training academies. He noted that such actions could cause death or injury to self or others and called for appropriate disciplinary action.
Retired IPS officer RK Vij told PTI that the tradition of Shastra Puja is essentially about the worship of weapons, not firing them, and that such firing carries the risk of accidents and should be avoided. An anonymous IPS officer stated that ceremonial firing during Shastra Puja in the state traditionally involves blank rounds (locally known as “awazi kartoos”) rather than live ammunition. Concerns were also raised that even rounds fired into the air can fall back and pose a risk to people nearby. Army veteran Colonel Deepak Kumar described the act as reckless and unprofessional.
Some social media users defended Sharma, viewing the firing as part of traditional observances and noting her training as an IPS officer. Others suggested that criticism was partly linked to her attire. A separate video showed Rajnandgaon Additional Superintendent of Police Kirtan Rathore also firing an AK-47 after Sharma. Videos of similar post-ritual firings by police personnel were reported from other districts, including Raipur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg, Kabirdham and Bastar.
Ankita Sharma is a 2018-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre who secured All India Rank 203 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017 on her third attempt. Originally from Durg, she is popularly known in the state as “Lady Singham” for her policing approach. She has previously served in postings that included anti-Naxal operations in Bastar, as SP of Khairagarh (where she was reported as the district’s first woman SP), and Sakti, before assuming charge as SP Rajnandgaon.
The Police Headquarters’ action remains under process, with further steps dependent on Sharma’s explanation and subsequent review. The episode has highlighted ongoing questions about the intersection of traditional ceremonial practices, safety protocols, and the conduct expected of senior police officers when handling service weapons in public settings.
